WATCHMAN™
Twenty percent of strokes are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm known
as atrial fibrillation, or AFib. Traditionally, the common treatment for
AFib was blood-thinning medication, such as Warfarin. However, long-term
use of blood-thinners raise the risk of internal bleeding.
The WATCHMAN™ device offers a non-pharmaceutical solution for a number of patients.
The WATCHMAN™ permanently seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, a
small pouch that is the site of almost all stroke-causing blood clots
in people with AFib.
Who is a candidate for WATCHMAN™?
Your doctor may recommend implanting a WATCHMAN™ device if you:
- Are at increased risk of stroke and blood-thinning medication is recommended
- Have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem
- Have a history of bleeding problems while taking blood thinners or are
unable to tolerate their side effects
- Have a medical condition, occupation or lifestyle that increases your risk
of major bleeding due to trauma
- Have trouble staying within the recommended blood-clotting range
You should not have a WATCHMAN™ device implanted if you:
- Are allergic to a material in the device, such as nickel or titanium
- Can’t take blood thinners for a short period of time after the device
has been implanted (45 days)
- Need to take blood thinners for a reason other than AFib
- Should not or cannot undergo Heart Catheterization procedures
For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kelly Harris at
watchman@caromonthealth.org.